नवीनतम
Gudi Padwa 2024: The 'Maharashtrian New Year'
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Gudi Padwa is a festival that is religiously significant to Hindus. The festival marks the beginning of the Marathi New Year and the first day of Chaitra month, according to the Hindu calendar.
It is celebrated with colours and by making rangoli. The festival is also celebrated in Goa, Daman and Diu.
What is Gudi Padwa?
The festival, also known as Samvatsara Padvo, marks the first day of the New Marathi Year and the harvest season in Maharashtra. The festival is known for its many different names across the nation. In Goa, it is called Padyo; in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, it is called Ugadi.
The Sindhi community celebrates the occasion of Cheti Chand on the second day of Shukla Paksha, also known as Jhulelal Jayanti. The term "Gudi" signifies the flag or emblem of Lord Brahma, while "Padwa" refers to the first day of the moon phase.
Gudi Padwa: History
It is believed that Lord Brahma created the universe on the day of Gudi Padwa and introduced days, weeks, months and years, according to Hindu mythology. Some also consider it a day when King Shalivahana celebrated his victory and people hoisted the flag on his return to Paithan. Basically, Gudi is said to be a symbol of victory over evil.
When and how to celebrate Gudi Padwa?
On Gudi Padwa, the day begins with an oil bath and ends with some unique prayers. Neem leaves are also consumed by devotees with jaggery or other seeds. Devotees adorn their homes with rangoli and other springtime-themed decorations after receiving an oil bath.
After this, a few customary practises are carried out, such as an auspicious puja to worship Lord Brahma and a havan to pray to Lord Vishnu and his various incarnations.
On the other hand, Maharashtra women celebrate the day by making beautiful "Gudi" in their houses and worshipping them. Gudi is essentially a flag, constructed from an upside-down pot of silver or copper, decorated with yellow fabric, and perched atop a bamboo staff. Devotees believe that the Gudi bestows good fortune and shields families from all negative energies.
After puja is completed, gram lentils, honey, and cumin seeds are distributed together with prasadam.
This year, Gudi Padwa will be celebrate on April 9, 2024 (Tuesday).
Gudi Padwa 2024: Shubh Muhrat
- Pratipada Tithi will begin at 11.50 pm on April 8
- Pratipada Tithi will end at 8.30 pm on April 9.
Significance of Gudi Padwa
According to Hindu mythology, Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the day Lord Brahma created the universe. It is also believed that this festival was celebrated when King Shalivahana won and returned to Pathan. People hoisted the flag.
